Creating an intelligent system for automated chemical synthesis and discovery
Official title: Discovery & Synthesis Chemputer: An intelligent universal system for automated chemical synthesis and discovery across different hardware and scales
Funded at University of Glasgow · NIH-11133056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a smart system that uses robots to help create new medicines and treatments more easily and quickly, which could eventually lead to better options for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Glasgow NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Glasgow, UNITED KINGDOM) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $855,677 |
| NIH project number | 5UH3TR004136-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with conditions that require novel drug therapies or those involved in clinical trials for new medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not seeking new treatment options or those with conditions that are not addressed by the drugs developed through this research may not receive any benefit.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a universal system that automates chemical reactions for synthesizing both known and unknown molecules. By leveraging advancements in programmable chemical synthesis robots, the project will create a standardized chemical programming language that can be used across various hardware platforms. The research will involve collaborative efforts to design modular hardware and a reaction screening system, ensuring that chemical synthesis can be executed reliably and efficiently. Patients may benefit indirectly through the potential development of new drugs and therapies resulting from this automated synthesis process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster and more efficient drug discovery and development processes, ultimately benefiting patients with new treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Other research in automated chemical synthesis has shown promise, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in drug development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Glasgow
Glasgow, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cronin, Lee — University of Glasgow
- Study coordinator: Cronin, Lee
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.